Definition

The pancreas is a long, flat, pear-shaped organ that sits behind the stomach. It makes enzymes that help to break down food for use by the body.
The enzymes pass from the pancreas through a duct to the small intestine.

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that occurs suddenly, then passes after treatment.

Symptoms

Symptoms may start once or occur many separate times. A flare ups of symptoms is known as an attack.

Symptoms may include:

Severe pain in the center of the upper abdomen:

Pain may spread into the upper back

Pain is often made worse by eating, walking, or lying down on your back

Nausea and vomiting

Low grade fever

Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Rarely,
shock—a medical emergency in which the organs and tissues don't receive adequate blood or fluids

Untreated acute pancreatitis may progress into
chronic pancreatitis. This is a more serious condition that can lead to permanent damage of the pancreas.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may ask about your alcohol habits and what medications you take. Blood tests will help to make the diagnosis. Certain enzymes are much higher in the blood with acute pancreatitis.

The doctor may also need to take images of the pancreas. The images can show changes to the pancreas, gallstones, or duct blockages. Images may be taken with:

The doctor will use information from all of the tests to make a diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the severity of the attack and what is causing it. For example, if medication is the cause, your doctor may simply change the medication or the dose.

In most cases, acute pancreatitis will pass in a few days with proper care. Most will have no lasting damage. Treatment includes:

Hospitalization

The pancreas will begin to work anytime food and drink is taken. To allow the pancreas to fully rest, you will not be allowed to eat or drink. Fluid and nutrition can be given by IV to support you during this time. Pancreatitis can also cause an imbalance in other enzymes and insulin. The medical team will give you medications to help manage these side effects until the pancreatitis has passed.

Severe pancreatitis may take a few weeks to fully heal. A special liquid may be needed to give you better nutrition during recovery. The fluid is passed through a tube that is inserted into your nose and passed down into your stomach.

If treatment is needed for the cause of your pancreatitis, it will be done while you are in the hospital.

Surgery

Surgery may be needed:

For severe cases that do not respond well to rest

To treat underlying conditions

Surgical options include:

Percutaneous catheter drainage—thin tubes are inserted into the abdomen to drain fluid from the pancreas.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.